Koa Smith Takes Bronze at ISA World Junior Surfing Championships

Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California (January 28, 2010) – Koa Smith grabs third place at Quiksilver’s ISA World Junior Surfing Championships propelling team Hawaii to an overall second place, silver medal finish. Despite the challenging conditions at Piha, a beach break near Auckland, New Zealand, Koa stayed focused throughout working his way right into the finals.

“This contest was so much fun,” says Smith. “Being part of team Hawaii is a huge honor, the support from teammates on the beach really pushes us in the water. It’s also a great chance to surf with guys from around the world that I don’t see at most contests. I’m already looking forward to surfing in the ISA again next year!”

Koa scored a 10.40 in the finals, despite strong currents and a messy line up. Earlier rounds saw larger surf and Koa was able to use his big wave skills honed in Hawaii and summers in Bali to pick up the larger overhead set waves and advance. The 15-year-old’s characteristically good attitude and defined style, found him consistently at the top of his heats in the 16 and under division throughout the week.

The spring is lining up to be busy for Koa with a heavy contest schedule. Smith heads back to Bali again this summer, where he’ll surf with his brother and the Rip Curl team and work on the next collection of his Little Fella Designs’ jackets. His brother Alex Smith, who is on his first committed season to the WQS tour, is currently surfing in the 5* Volcom Pipeline Pro being held at Pipeline this week.